ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
PIB Headquarters
Special Passport Mela – Post Office Passport Seva Kendras, Vellore & Cuddalore on 14th July 2018
In order to meet the public demand and to facilitate submission of applications for the frequent travellers due to extended time in getting appointments, Regional Passport Office, Chennai will be holding ‘Special Passport Mela’ on Saturday the 14th July 2018 at Post Office Passport Seva Kendra , Vellore and Cuddalore.
Post Office Passport Seva Kendra, at Vellore & Cuddalore will function on Saturday the 14th June 2018 like any other normal working day and accept applications as per time slots allotted to the applicants. Approximately 110 applicants are expected to be benefitted from this Mela.
To participate in this Passport Mela, all applicants have to log on to the official website ‘www.passportindia.gov.in’, register on-line, generate ‘ARN’ , and pay online fees and then take appointment. Applicants participating in the mela should bring the print-out of ARN with appointment details, to the POPSK along with the requisite documents in originals, plus one set of self attested photocopies. Applications under Fresh and Re-issue categories only will be accepted.
The appointments will be released on 11th July 2018  at 1430 hrs for the mela to take place on Saturday, 14th July 2018. On the day of mela, applications will be accepted only as per the time slot allotted to them. Applicantions for PCCs, Walk-ins including On-Hold and Refused Tokens will not be entertained during the Mela.
Ministry of Defence
AIR MARSHAL ASHUTOSH DIXIT TAKES OVER AS DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took over as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff today. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was Commissioned in the fighter stream on 06 December 1986. He is a graduate of the Staff Course, Bangladesh and National Defence College, New Delhi. The Air Marshal is a Qualified Flying Instructor as well as an Experimental Test pilot, with over 3300 hours of flying experience on fighter, trainer and transport aircraft. He participated in Operation Safed Sagar and Rakshak.
Air Marshal Dixit commanded a Mirage 2000 Squadron, a frontline fighter base in the Western sector, as well as a premier fighter training base. He has earlier served as Principle Director Air Staff Requirement, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff  & Assistant Chief of the Air Staff  at Air Headquarters. The Air Officer has also been the Air Defence Commander of Southern Air Command and was Senior Air Staff Officer, South Western Air Command prior to taking over as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.
Ministry of Textiles
Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal interacts with Non-official Directors  of CPSE under his Ministries; says NoDs are an important link between the government and the people
NoDs expected to bring alternate perspective, provide impartial view of shortcomings & suggest measures for improvement: Shri Piyush Goyal
Any issue of mis-governance should be taken to the management with urgency: Shri Goyal tells NoDs
The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles Shri Piyush Goyal has stressed upon the critical role played by Non-official Directors  in improving the performance Central Public Sector Undertakings . Shri Goyal interacted with the NoDs of under his ministries viz. India Trade Promotion, ECGC Ltd. , State Trading Corporation of India Ltd, MMTC Ltd. , PEC Ltd. , State Trading Corporation of India Ltd Central Warehouse Corporation and Food Corporation of India. Secretary, Department of Commerce, Secretary, Food & Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs and Secretary, Department of Textile and Senior Officials of all three Departments attended the meeting.
Speaking during the interaction, Shri Piyush Goyal said that NoDs expertise and experience will help the government in ensuring welfare of the citizens of India. He said that NoDs have assumed critical importance given increased sectoral complexities. The minister added that NoDs are expected to bring alternate perspective, provide impartial view of shortcomings & suggest measures for improvement.
Shri Goyal said that the NoDs also serve as a role model for employees & also safeguard interest of all stakeholders. However, he highlighted that any mis-governance should be taken to management with utmost urgency and also, he asked to them to avoid influencing CPSE decisions while not getting involved in specific cases. He said that the wealth of experience and wealth of knowledge of NoDs stays true to the vision of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi who believes that they are an important link between the government and the people.
Secretaries of Department of Commerce, Department of Food & Public Distribution and Ministry of Textiles also addressed the NoDs’ meet. In his address, Shri B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, Secretary Department of Commerce said that NoDs should keep themselves well informed about the Company and the environment in which it operates. Shri Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary Department of Food and Public Distribution  gave an overview of the department. He said that the department runs one of the world’s biggest food distribution programme through NFSA and PMGKAY. Shri UP Singh, Secretary Textiles also gave an overview of the Ministry of Textiles. He reiterated that India is a top producer of Cotton and Jute.
Prime Minister's Office
PM meets Indian Team that participated in FIFA U-17 World Cup
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today met the Indian Team that participated in the recently concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup.
During the interaction, the players talked about the experience and exposure that they gained during FIFA, both on and off the field.
The Prime Minister encouraged the players to not feel disappointed with the outcome of the tournament, but to treat it as a learning opportunity. He said competing with enthusiasm and spirit is the first step to success.
The Prime Minister said India can achieve a lot in football. He also mentioned that sports helps in developing personality, building confidence, and in overall development.
Minister of State  for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, was present on the occasion.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN ARMY SIGNS MOU WITH BHASKARACHARYA NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS AND GEO-INFORMATICS 
The Indian Army has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics , Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This MoU will facilitate exchange of knowledge and collaboration in the fields emerging technologies for development of GIS and IT based Enterprise Resource Planning Software, Training Content, Telecasting of Audio-Visual Content, Research and Knowledge Partnership, Technical Support and Upgradation for Resources Developed under a holistic partnership for projects which have the prior approval of Army Management Studies Board  or approved on case-to-case basis. The MOU will leverage the relative advantage of BISAG-N to support training and evolving innovative solutions to boost operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
BISAG-N which is an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India will act as a medium of exchange of knowledge and collaboration in the fields of emerging technologies.
General MM Naravane, COAS addressed the gathering through virtual platform in which he emphasized that signing of this MoU is a path breaking initiative towards enhancing the interaction of Indian Army with academia. The Army Chief stated that 'Atmanirbharta' is the key to staying ahead of technological curve over our adversaries for which the Learning Management System projects for Map Reading, IT training and Geo-spatial Information system with BISAG-N are a great beginning in which the joint collaboration is already showing a promising beginning.
The event was presided over by Lt Gen Raj Shukla, GOC-in-C Army Training Command. He stressed that this is a step towards strengthening the linkages between academia and the Indian Military. He laid specific emphasis on ‘Civil-Military Relations’, and expounded multifaceted aspects pertaining to mutual cooperation. These MoUs will act as catalyst and enabler for orienting academia towards strengthening the nation’s defence and capability enhancement.
Shri T. P. Singh, DG, BISAG-N, highlighted that with signing of this MoU, BISAG-N will act as a medium of exchange of knowledge and collaboration in the fields of emerging technology for development of GIS and IT based software, generation of customised training content, telecasting audio-visual training content, develop specific projects required by Indian Army in the fields of IT and AI. BISAG-N dedicated the Learning Management System  developed for ARTRAC and its affiliated institutes, during the event.
The landmark MoU will facilitate and strengthen institutional cooperation between the Indian Army and BISAG-N towards strategising and implementing programmes pertaining to training, research and capability development.
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(Visitor Counter : 2705
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
More than Rs. 12,000 crore business recorded on GeM
The National Mission on Government e Marketplace ,waslaunched by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu, on 5th of September 2018. This was followed by the launch of the Mission in 19 States and Union Territories.
The Government of India decided to launch a six week long National Mission on GeM from 6th Sept. to 17thOct 2018in order to increase awareness, accelerate the use of GeM andto further augment the proven benefits of procurement through GeM for all government departments and organisations.
It covers all central government departments, states and public sector undertakings in a mission mode by organising workshops, roadshow, trainings, events and other information, education and communication activities, including buyer and seller registration.
During the awareness period, a buyer registration drive has been launched for on-boarding and increasing procurement by Central, State and local agencies on GeM. A vendor registration drive has also been initiated for on-boarding additional categories and populating the available ones on GeM with more vendors. Central Ministries, States and their agencies, including local offices, have been tasked with sharing a list of key vendors for on-boarding on GeM.
Widespread training initiatives are being undertaken across the country, ensuring on-boarded buyers and sellers are aware of all GeM features, thereby fully utilising the offerings for achieving greater efficiency. Moreover, GeM has committed to work with all entities in providing operational support for facilitating seamless transactions on GeM and resolving any issues in online procurement.
In two years of its operations, GeM has recorded till date more than 8 lakh transactions worth over Rs.12,239crore.GeM has established itself as an open, transparent, efficient and inclusive platform providing huge savings to the Government. GeM has nearly 27.9 thousand buyer organisations registered and about 1.43 lakh sellers and service providers offering more than 4.86 lakh products and services for online purchase. GeM contributes to approximately 20-25% average overall savings to the Government.
Government e Marketplace is the National Public Procurement Portal offering an online, end-to-end solution for procurement of common use goods and services by government departments. It is used by Central and State Government Ministries and Departments, Central and State Public Sector Undertakings , autonomous institutions and local bodies. GeM provides an open, inclusive, transparent and efficient online marketplace.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Centre establishes help desks and control rooms to avoid any possible disruptions in Commerce and Industry
DPIIT help desk ensure supplies of delivery of goods and essential commodities continue without any restrictions during Covid times
DGFT opens COVID 19 help desk to support International Trade during pandemic surge
In light of the surge in the COVID cases across the country, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade  has taken cognizance of the steps taken by various State Governments/UTs to control the spread of COVID cases. Therefore, as a measure of precaution and for supporting our business ecosystem, DPIIT will monitor the status and issues arising  during transportation and delivery of goods and essential commodities due to the restrictions  imposed by various State Governments/UTs.
In the event of any manufacturing, transportation, distribution, wholesale or e-commerce companies facing difficulties in transportation and distribution of goods or mobilization of resources, the same may be informed to this Department at the following telephone number/email:-
Telephone: + 91 11 23063554, 23060625
Email: dpiit-controlroom[at]gov[dot]in
The above telephone numbers will remain functional from 9 AM to 9 PM w.e.f, 05.01.2022. The issues reported by various stakeholders through this control room shall be taken up with the concerned State/UT Governments. The stakeholders are, therefore, requested to report the issues affecting the above stated services to the control room.
Department of Commerce and Directorate General of Foreign Trade  have also undertaken to monitor the status of export and imports and difficulties being faced by trade stakeholders in view of the surge of COVID-19 cases. DGFT has operationalized a ‘COVID-19 Helpdesk' to support and seek suitable resolutions to issues arising in respect of International Trade.
The 'COVID-19 Help desk' would look into issues relating to Department of Commerce/DGFT, Import and Export Licensing Issues, Customs clearance delays and complexities arising thereon, Import/Export documentation issues, Banking matters etc. Helpdesk would also collect and collate trade related issues concerning other Ministries/Departments/Agencies of Central Government and State Governments and will co-ordinate to seek their support and provide possible resolution.
Export-Import community may submit information on the DGFT website and submit information relating to their issues on which support is required using the following steps--
i. Navigate to the DGFT Website  -- > Services -- > DGFT Helpdesk Service
ii. ‘Create New Request’ and select the Category as ‘Covid-19'
iii. Select the suitable sub-category, enter the other relevant details and submit.
Alternatively, issues may be sent to email id: dgftedi@nic.in with the subject header: Covid-19 Helpdesk, or call the Toll-Free No at 1800-111-550.
The status of resolutions and feedback may be tracked using the Status tracker under the DGFT Helpdesk Services. Email and SMS would also be sent as and when the status of these tickets are updated. Trade Community is requested to kindly make use of the given facilities suitably.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Mandavia acknowledges the contribution of Seafarers in continuing the wheels of economy moving during the pandemic;
International Seafarers Day celebrated
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State  for Shipping, today participated in the celebration of International Seafarers Day, as the chief guest, in the ceremony hosted by the National Maritime Day Celebration Committee, via video conferencing. The theme this year for the annual Day of the Seafarer is ‘Seafarers are Key Workers”. The theme acknowledges the contribution of seafarers in maintaining the supply chain in the world, as 90% of global trade moves through sea.
Shri Mandaviya released the E-souvenir and addressed the gathering, comprising of the officials of the DG Shipping, Chairperson & MD of Shipping Corporation of India , officials of SCI and seafarers.
Shri Mandaviya congratulated and wished the seafarers on the International Seafarers Day. He acknowledged the contribution of Indian seafarers in the economy and development of the country. Shri Mandaviya also thanked the family of seafarers for supporting them in the challenging job. He recognized challenges faced by seafarers as professional hazards in the COVID pandemic, such as sign in and sign off, movement during lockdown. Shri Mandaviya set the target of increasing the share of Indian seafarers by 5 lakhs from 94,000 in 2014. It will create more employment opportunities as well as high paying jobs for the Indian youth. He appreciated the role of seafarers for moving the wheels of economy during the pandemic and wished safe sailing in the future for the serving and building New India.
Ministry of Education
Union Education Minister releases a compilation of initiatives by School Education Department during COVID-19 pandemic
Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually released a compilation of initiatives undertaken by School Education Department during COVID-19 pandemic here today.
The Minister noted that in the year 2020-21, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented public health emergency, affecting almost all countries and territories globally. He further said that the pandemic has led to severe disruptions in normal life,and has impacted children and also affected the closure of schools in the country.
Releasing the compilation,Shri Pokhriyal highlighted that Department of School Education & Literacy has taken several initiatives such as PM e-Vidya, Pragyata Guidelines, Manodarpan for Psycho-social support, E-Content, Alternative Academic Calender, etc to ensure that the school going students don’t lag behind in their studies during COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed his happiness that these initiatives have contributed a lot in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. Ministry has come out with several measures to remodel and re-imagine the way teaching and learning have happened so far. The Minister lauded the efforts of the officials of the Ministry to introduce many new suitable methods of delivering quality education through a healthy mix of schooling at home and schooling at school.
Clink on the link for compilation of initiatives taken by of School Education Department during COVID-19 pandemic:
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts searches in Chhattisgarh
Income Tax Department carried out search and seizure operations on 30.06.2022 on a group engaged in business of coal transportation and other allied activities. The premises of a senior government officer was also covered in the search action. In all, the search operation covered more than 30 premises spread over Raipur, Bhilai, Raigarh, Korba, Bilaspur, Surajpur etc.
During the course of the search operation, numerous incriminating documents, loose sheets and digital evidences have been found and seized. The modus-operandi followed by the group includes unfair regular collection on coal transportation throughout the State of Chhattisgarh leading to generation of huge unaccounted income. Evidence of such collection of more than Rs. 200 crore during a short time period has been found. The same has been corroborated by the key trusted associates of the group. Instances of certain cash payments made to government officials have also been identified.
The seized evidences also indicate that the group has made unaccounted cash payment of approximately Rs. 45 crore in purchasing coal washeries. Further, evidence has also been found which reveals that cash expenditure has been incurred by the group during the recently held elections.
During the search, a large number of property agreements have been found, which reveal that huge undisclosed investments have been made in acquisition of immovable properties, which appear to be benami in nature. The source of investment made in acquisition of 50 acres of immovable properties, by the purported owners, related to the government officer, is under further investigation.
Undisclosed cash exceeding Rs. 9.5 crore and jewellery of Rs. 4.5 crore have been seized during the search operation, so far. A preliminary investigation of such incriminating evidences gathered during the search suggests that the group has evaded income running into few hundreds of crores.
Further investigations are in progress.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Cabinet approves waiver of interest of Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its ex-post facto approval for waiver of interest of Rs.7.59 crore on Government of India loans of Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited , as on 31st March, 2005 in addition to the ‘Waiver of penal interest and interest on interest up to 31st March, 2005’ that was earlier approved by the CCEA in March, 2006 under the rehabilitation package for HOCL.
As this is almost 10 years old case, the interest amount of Rs.7.59 crore has already been written off in the books of accounts of the Government and HOCL and the interest amount involved is not substantial. It would be expedient at this stage to regularise the waiver of interest of Rs.7.59 crore on GoI loans as on 31st March, 2005. Ex-post facto approval will also enable HOCL to settle the pending CAG audit observation in the matter.
Ministry of Finance
DRI intercepts container with contraband substances at Nhava Sheva Port
: Mumbai, May 14, 2023
Based on specific intelligence, Department of Revenue Intelligence, Mumbai identified a container suspected of carrying contraband, at Nhava Sheva Port. The container was supposed to be trans-shipped to Arshiya Free Trade Warehousing Zone for further clearance. Discrete vigil was kept on the movement of the said container by the officers of DRI. It was found that, after the container left the port, instead of reaching its destination, the same was diverted to a private godown while it was en route to Arshiya FTWZ. Officers monitoring the movement of the said container immediately sensed the suspicious activities and intercepted the container at the godown. The entire 40 feet container was found to be stuffed with foreign-origin cigarettes which are banned for import into India due to their non compliance with Indian standards. The syndicate had planned to smuggle those cigarettes by way of removing them out from the container and replacing the same with goods declared in import documents in order to hoodwink Custom Authorities. The godown was already stocked with the declared goods which were supposed to be stuffed in the container after removing the cigarettes, before the container was taken into Arshiya FTZ.
Total 1.07 Cr sticks of foreign origin cigarettes of Esse, Dunhill, Mond and Gudang Garam brands were recovered from the imported container. In a swift follow-up operation, another stash of 13 lakh Cigarettes of foreign origin of various brands like Esse lights, Mond which were smuggled earlier by the same syndicate were seized from another godown.
A total of 1.2 Cr sticks of foreign origin cigarattes having estimated market value of about Rs. 24 Cr have been seized by DRI.
Five persons including the importer have been arrested till date. DRI has been constantly engaged in busting such designs of smuggling syndicates smuggling contrabands, misusing SEZ and FTWZ schemes, thereby protecting government revenue and also protecting society from harmful effects of illicit tobacco.
Further investigation is in progress.
Prime Minister's Office
PM shares glimpses of Parshuram Kund Festival in Arunachal Pradesh
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared glimpses of Parshuram Kund Festival in Arunachal Pradesh.
Sharing a tweet thread by Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, the Prime Minister tweeted;
“Looks like a blissful experience, a unique opportunity to explore Arunachal Pradesh.”